Signature gathering



Fell 17, 1942- P. E. KLEINEBl-:RG 2,273,049

S IGNATURE GATHERING A TTORNE YS.

Feb. 17, 1942. P. E. KLEINEBERG SIGNATURE GATHERING Filed Jan. 16, 1940 l INI'ENTOR.

i@ F@www I A TTORNEYS.

Patented Feb. 17, 1942 ETE gij,

oriICE SGNATURE GATHERING Paul E. Kleineberg, Easton, Pa.,'assignor to T. W. & C. B. Sheridan Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York v 23 Claims.

This invention relates to signature gathering, which consists in the associating of the signatures, sheets or other components of pamphlets or the like into groups of signatures to bev wire stapled or otherwise bound in the process of manufacture; and the invention involves a certain novel method of operation as well as a mechanism, apparatus or machine for performing the same, to be fed by stacks or supplies of the several signatures and to; deliver a succession of the completed groups.

The invention relates more particularly to the detection of errors by calipering or gaging each signature between the stack and the signature receiving or group supporting means or conveyor, the latter usually traveling longitudinally adjacent to the series yof stacks from which the individual signatures are transferred to the conveyor for the purpose of grouping them into pamphlets. The purpose of such calipering is to detect the defective character of any signature or signatures being gathered, before being deposited on the conveyor, whether because it has too many sheets and is too thick, o-r is deficient in sheets and is too thin, or is otherwise defective in regard to the exact thickness which each signature should have.

The principles of the invention are applicable to the flatwise system of gathering, to group the signatures in piles on the conveyor for subsequent side-stapling, glue-binding etc., or on the other hand to the system of insert-gathering or saddlegathering, wherein the signatures are grouped or nested one within another upon a conveying support or saddle, to be subsequently saddlestitched or united by centrally placed wire staples. For purposes of illustration the invention is shown designed and applied to a machine for the insert-gathering of signatures, the disclosure being confined to those parts of the machine wherein the no-vel features are embodied.

As examples of the prior art and illustrating certain known features of mechanism and operation with which the present invention may be utilized reference is made to certain patents. For example Kleineberg Patent No. 2,163,732 of June 27, 1939 shows a traveling conveyor in the form of a saddle arranged parallel to the series of signature hoppers, together with a mechanism adjacent to each hopper for extracting successive signatures, transferring each signature to a position above the saddle, opening the signature centrally, and delivering it straddlewise upon the saddle, or upon an intermediate or auxiliary saddle en route to the traveling saddle; in View of which the accompanying drawings omit any specic disclosure of the hoppers and the signature extracting, transferring and opening mechanisms, the detecting means being preferably located beyond these mechanisms but ahead of the final reception o-f each signature on Ythe conveyor.

The patent of Juengst No. 1,126,026 of January 26, 1915, on the other hand is an example of a machine for extracting, transferring and delivering signatures for flatwise gathering upon asupport along which the successive piled groups are conveyed or pushed longitudinally by the pushing members o-r projections of the traveling conveyor during the accumulation of the signature groups; this prior patent illustrating also one form of detecting or calipering means for locating' defective signatures and mechanism for utilizing the detecting action by settingl a tripper or dog which later, at a remote point, effects a desired control consisting, in said case, of a diverting;k or switching mechanism to sort out the groups con'- taining defective signatures and separate them from the regular product of the machine.

The patent of Gitzendanner 1,380,293 of May 31', 1921, shows another form of detecting and switching-out mechanism. In this case the trip or dog which is set when a defective signature is detected is arranged to travel along with the conveyor, usually at a normal and inoperative upper level, but at a lower` or operative level When any signature in the group is defective, the shift or drop of the trip into operative position being brought about by the displacement of a trap or section of the mem-ber or track along which the trip dog normally travels. Certain principles of these prior patents so outlined are illustratively employed in the specic disclosure of the present invention, although the invention might equally well be used in connection with dogs or trips otherwise operated, or used without a group switching or separating mechanism, but for example with control connections operating to prevent binding .or stapling of a defective group Without stopping the gathering and binding operations, or to stop the machine" for manual correction of the defect and restart'- ing, or for that matter by the mere setting of'a signal indicating the defective groups'o thatv it may then be removed manually.

'Ihe general object of the present' invention is to improve the method and operation of gathering signatures, particularly insert-gathering,

and more particularly byprovidirig an efficient' and reliable detecting means for sig'naturesV of' erroneous thickness. A further object is to provide a calipering or gauging mechanism adapted to operate at a later stage than heretofore in the transfer of each signature to the support or saddle upon which the signature groups are accumulated, so that the calipering takes place at the optimum time and position for determining its possible defective character, namely, as it is about to join the traveling signature group for which it is destined. Anotherobject is to afford a calipering device which is compact and readily accommodated in a small space, and is simple and rugged in construction, while affording a delicate gaging of the signatures and avoidance of defective signature groups and pamphlets.

Further objects and advantages will be ex plained in the hereinafter following description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

For the attainment of such objects and advantages the present invention consists in the novel method and apparatus, as well as the novel features of operation, mechanism and construction -herein illustrated or described.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a left or calipering mechanism pertaining to only a I single one of the series of gatherer hoppers; and the mechanisms shown in Figs, l and 2 may be considered as repeated indefinitely in accordance with the number of hoppers or stacks to be incorporated in the gatherer.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the caplipering mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The drawings show one of the lower frame walls 6 of the machine and on top of it an upstanding wall or frame .bracket 'I giving support to certain operating parts. If a signature hopper were shown on Fig. 1 it would usually be to the left of the upper portion thereof, as illustrated for example in said Patent 2,163,732; and this figure shows a longitudinal shaft 8 which in said patent carries a signature transferring drum, to the front of which is a signature opening cylinder, carried on a shaft 9 herein shown in Figs. 1 and 2 hereof, the drum D and cylinder C however being merely indicated in dash lines. The operation of the known parts referred to results in the downward delivery of each opened signature upon an intermediate receiving member or longitudinal bar 26, hereinafter to be more fully described as constituting a nontraveling auxiliary or upper saddle.

Other general longitudinal parts of the machine include a shaft I located somewhat below the rotary shaft 8, and therebelow a rockshaft II. The shafts 9 and Illk may make one complete turn for each complete cycle of the gathering machine, corresponding with each com-v plete extraction, transfer and delivery of a signature; but the shaft 8 may have half the rotary speed of shafts 9 and I0 in case the transfer drum thereon is of twice the diameter of the opening cylinder, as shown in said Patent 2,163,732. Higher than and to the front of the rockshaft II is shown a frame rod I2, herein utilized as an axle. At a higher front point is another fixed rod or axle I3, and at the top center of the machine is a heavy frame rod I 4.

The frame rods I3 and I4 are mounted on the frame brackets 1, while the rod I2 is mounted on a series of supplemental brackets I5 attached to the front side of the lower frame walls 6, these brackets I5 supporting also the conveyor or saddle mechanism to be described. Various other fixed parts and brackets need not be mentioned excepting that, by a clamping hub I 8, a caliper supporting bracket I9, for each signature stack, is rigidly mounted on the frame rod I3, this bracket depending from the frame rod, and extending rearwardly where it is formed into a housing or extension 20 to accommodate certain gearing to be described. A vertical sleeve 2I is fixed in the housing to act as a bearing for inside and outside parts.

Coming to the mounting of the auxiliary receiver or saddle, a clamping hub 22 is used to attach a depending bracket arm 23 to the overhead frame rod I4. The bracket 23 at its lower end 24 is recessed and split to receive the shank 25 of the upper or fixed saddle 26, shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3, this being in a position to receive directly each transferred opened signature, and being free at its left end so that each signature may be advanced or pushed along and from the fixed saddle for delivery on to the main or traveling saddle, to be described.

, Broadly speaking, the upper and lower saddles constitute preliminary and final supports 0r receivers on which the successive signatures are deposited, in turn, for grouping them on the lower br final receiver, these elements .being shown as saddles, but the same principles being available in relation to fiat gathered signatures.

The lower, main or traveling saddle might be conventional but is shown of an improved construction, comprising for the reception of each group the saddle body or casting 23, with upward extension 3,0 and, set into this extension, and standing vertically in the direction of travel, a thin upright plate 3| which constitutes the saddle proper, the signatures being received straddlewise upon its top edge in the process of grouping them. Preferably a separate such saddle is provided for each advancing signature group, and there will be an endless series of these traveling saddles, passing longitudinally through the gatherer directly below the series of auxiliary saddles 26, and returning at a considerably lower level. Each traveling saddle 29 is provided with a pushing means, in the form of wings 32 extending laterally at the rear end of the saddle, that is to say at the right hand end as sho'wn in Fig. 2, the saddles traveling leftwardly. These wings serve the preliminary purpose of engaging each signature depending over an upper saddle and shifting or sliding the signature advancingly along the upper saddle and from it to pass downwardly to and be received upon the lower or traveling saddle; and thereupon the wings serve the purposes of alining the several signatures of each group and of insuring their advancing travel with the saddle.

The endless series of saddles so described constitutes part of an endless conveyor, which includes also a chain or preferably a'pair of chains built up of links 33, with rollers 34 at their connecting pivots. These chains are attached to the lower part of each individual saddle, for example by some of the pivot pins 35 of the chains extending through the saddle body. The chains are driven, in conventional manner, like sprocket chains, from any convenient point to maintain the continuous travel of the endless train of saddles, at a speed for example of one, or of two, stack spacings per cycle of the machine.

The traveling conveyor or train of advancing saddles is shown as being supported by means of a pair of tracks 36, which are shown as angle irons, spaced somewhat apart and mounted at the top of the brackets I5, the upper ends of which are forked to provide a space below the groove formed between the two tracks. Further down is shown an inverted pair of similar tracks 3'! to give support to the inverted or return portion of the traveling conveyor and its saddles. In each case the opposite system of rollers 34 on the saddle body 29 run along the opposite tracks, with the body depending suiiciently in the central track groove to secure guidance therefrom.

There has been thus far described or indicated suicient-mechanism to constitute a saddle gathering apparatus, it being understood that the saddles advance in succession, preferably with continuous travel until, at or beyond the end of the gathering machine, where each saddle carries a complete signature group, the groups are suitably handled for binding or stapling and later discharge, while the endless conveyor and train of empty saddles return by the underneath route.

Before describing the detecting or calipering mechanism, reference will be made to a known kind of device, one for each section or saddle of the conveyor by which the detecting eilect is taken into account and carried along with the group for later control action. This includes a control member, dog or trip nger 46, shown in Fig. 2, and which may take one of two positions as there shown, under control of the detecting devices. This dog or tripper 4i) preferably carries a roller 4l at its free end and is swingable about a pivot mounted on a rear end extension 42 of each saddle body 36. A tripper of this general character is shown in said prior Patent 1,380,293, its purpose being to give a remote controlling action and result in accordance with its setting determined by the detecting devices. The tripper remains in its normal or elevated position, shown in full lines, when the received signature is normal, but when the signature is defective the tripper shifts or drops by gravity to the abnormal position shown in dotted lines. As a pamphlet is accumulated on a given saddle, if any signature is imperfect, the gripper or control member of that saddle drops to its abnormal or operating position, .and this effect or setting of the tripper continues, and is carried along to Vor beyond the end of the gathering machine where, by control devices of a known kind, the desired control is eiected.

A typical control operation is that the traveling tripper 40, at the remote point, engages a suitable trigger or movable element which is tted to start a certain sequence of actions. For example the tripper when in its abnormal position may cause the tripping of a switch mechanism which operates to switch defective groups away from the advancing path of the perfect groups; or it may cause the operation of an ejector which seizes and pulls out of its path the defective group; or the tripper may merely cause the prevention of binding, as by nullifying the feed of the wire necessary for the binding staples. Another control is merely to cut off power and stop the entire machine, which may be done either through the trippers 4e whenL the defective group reaches'a predetermined remote point, or may-be' done by the `detecting mechanism to be described when used with themodied apparatus shown in Fig. la.

The swinging tripper in the `form of a thin link 40 is shown as extending down through the lfront part of the tracks 36, 36, while its roller 4I is of'substantial width, at least as Vwide as the'saddle body 29, as seen in Fig. 1, so as to occupy the greater partof the space lbetween the upper sides of the fixed bracket I5.. The roller therefore runs along at a level below that of the tracks 36,.and in its normal position it runs upon a xed track 44, which is in the form of an angle iron. This xed lower track 44 extends through the whole length of the gathering machine and saddle travel with the exception'of a track interruption at a point corresponding with each of the xed saddles 26; Thus Fig. 2 shows an interruption or longitudinal gap in the length of the lower track 44, and shows also a retractible track section or trap 46 occupying this gap and normally maintaining the continuity of the track 44, 46.

As shown in Fig. 1 each movable track section 46 is in the form of an angle iron substantially the same as that constituting the permanent track 44. In order to render the track section 46 retractible, lso as to open the downward Apassage for the drop of the tripper, it is mounted at the top end of a lever or levers 41, extending upwardly from hubs 48 turning loosely on the frame rod or axle I 2. By this Amounting the shiftable track section 46 may take its normal position shown in Fig. 1, With the tripper roller running upon it, or a rearwardly retracted position, which will permit the tripper roller to drop through to its abnormal position. It acts like a sliding or trap door. To eiect the shifting of the track section 46 to open or close the downwardly passage or doorway, is shown as having a downward extending lever arm 49, the connections for operating which will be subsequently described. In order to hold ther retractible track section normally in its front- Ward position a resilient means may be used. A short post 50 is shown clamped upon the frame rod I2, frontward of arm 41and a horizontal spring 5| is tensioned between this post and the, arm 41 thereby to pull frontward the arm and the track section.

As thus far described the tripper of each traveling saddle will retain its upper or passive setting throughout the advance of the saddle unless and until, with thev feeding of a defective signature from any stack, the detecting mechanism brings about the rearward shifting of the track section or door 46, thus letting the tripper roller drop through to its abnormal setting Where it remains until the desired control is brought about. v

There remains to be described the detecting or calipering means by which the desired control is brought about, for example by the shifting of the track section 46, by stopping the machine, or otherwise. is believed-to be characteristic in several aspects. For example, it operates upon each individual signature, not during extraction or transfer, but after the deposit of the signature on the auxiliary receiver or support, in this case the upper saddle 26. It therefore detects any failure properly to open and deposit thek signature on the upper saddle. Thus gap or groove `between the fixed The rdetecting mechanism hereof f .if the signature fails tov open 1t `will not lie .'astride the saddle. 26 vand sowill not come between the caliper members 55 and 6U; and if lthe signatures be of the trimmed or open type and one is opened erroneously some sheets may drop out, and the undue thinness again will affect the caliper; in either case the control operation is brought about. Also, the calipering to be described is effected on the run, that is, while the signature is shifting or sliding off from the upper to the lower receiver or saddle. It preferably takes place between the fixed elevated saddle and the traveling main saddle on which the signatures are grouped. Each signature having been opened for deposit on the upper saddle is partially closed again for the purpose of gaging or calipering its entire thickness, and this takes place at a time when the signature is nearly in its final position, in fact straddling but not yet dropped on to the main saddle. The detecting devices per se, and wherever located, are characteristic as to their structure and gaging operation, as will be described. These and other aspects will be set forth in the claims.

The means which ascertains errors in signature thickness and communicates the fact thereof to operate the tripper or dog 40 consists generally of first, a gaging or calipering device, which takes a variable position or setting according to the signature thickness; and second, a detecting device which, according to the position of the calipering device, is either passive or active to perform the desired control operation, and works mechanically, electrically, optically or otherwise.

The illustrated caliper preferably involves two gaging members. The first or what may be considered the base member 55 of the gage is adapted to advance with the signature while in contact with one side of it. The other, responding or shifting gage member 60 contacts the opposite side of the signature. The two opposed gage members are both capable of advancing in the direction of signature travel with the signature between them, as will be fully explained.

The base gage member 55, While it might be otherwise constructed and operated, is preferably a revoluble member, its contact surface being an arc, as shown; and since there is a pause between successive gaging operations in each section of the gatherer the b-ase member need `have only a partial circumference, and is shown in the form of a sector, or substantially a quadrant. Its rst or entering end 56 is preferably slightly tapered or beveled away as shown to facilitate the initial engagement of each advancing signature between the gage members. A convenient revolving mounting for the gage section 55 is its hub 51 connected by spokes with the arc portion, and-the hub extending downwardly into the gear housing 20 and there surrounding the fixed sleeve 2| as a fulcrum axle. The gage member 55 is preferably revolved continuously, counterclockwise in Fig. 3, by driving connections to be described.

The gage shiftable or responsive member 50 is a contact piece preferably in the form of a Small roller in order to minimize friction as the signature S advances relatively through the gaging device. The contact roller B is seen in Fig. 1 to be mounted at the same level with and opposed t0 the revoluble contact sector 55, the roller being mounted at the underside of a carrier El shown in the form of a lever arm, so arranged that it can swing advancingly while the roller is in contact with each signature. Its

signature-determined movement or response is longitudinal to signature travel and not lateral thereto asin certain prior constructions. For this purpose the gage arm or carrier 6| is shown as having its hub 62 mounted to pivot upon a fulcrum pin 63 having such location that the axis of swing of the carrier 5l is adjacent to the axis of revolution of the sector 55, s0 that the movements of both gage members are in similar, though not identical, longitudinal directions.

Thus, the gaging action between the gage members 55 and 60 does not follow the plan of a lateral thrusting apart of the two by the thickness of the signatures, but involves a bodily advancing motion, or swing of the carrier 6l and roller 60 in the general direction of signature movement, and to a variable distance or position in accordance with the thickness of the signature, this simple arrangement by its action affording a high potential mechanical magnification of error in signature thickness. This action may be explained further in that the roller-carrying lever 6| lies not substantially tangential to the circumference of the sector gage 55, but substantially radial, so that the yielding of the roller is not radially from the sector, that is, by a lateral separation, but rather tangentially, that is, longitudinal to the feed 0r travel of the signature at this point; the gaging factor being the gradual progressive divergence between roller and sector as the former advances along to an extended distance determined by minute variations in the thickness of the signature.

This sensitive gaging action may be brought about by the relative mountings of the gage sector 55 for its concentric revolution, and of the gage contact 60 and its carrier arm 6I, these receiving a relatively eccentric motion, such that as the arm swings advancingly the gap between the gage members 55 and 60 minutely increases progressively; or, stating it more correctly, the thicker the signature the further will the movement of sector 55 and signature cause the shiftable gage member to move along in the direction of signature travel. This eccentricity between revolution of gage member 55 and swinging of gage member 60, BI is brought about by pivoting the arm 6I upon its fulcrum pin 63 which is set eccentrically to the sleeve 2| which constitutes the axle for the sector member 55. The fulcrum pin 63 is conveniently so positioned by being formed eccentrically at the top of a stationary vertical stud 64 which occupies the sleeve 2l, and the further mountings and adjustments of which will be later described.

By this construction a multiplying effect is produced without the usual multiplying leverage. The arm 6l swings substantially leftward for a minute difference in signature thickness. To take an example, if the arm length from axis to contact 60 be l inches and the eccentricity be inch, the multiplication factor is the ratio thereof, or about 18. If the signature error is a single thickness of paper, e. g, .0025 inch, then the resulting displacement of the arm will be about .O45 inch at the contact 60, which is ample, and the extended length of arm 6l will deliver a movement of about .08 inch for each single sheet error of signature thickness for the operation of the detecting device. For greater or less responsiveness to errors the dimensions and proportions can of course be varied.

The detecting device which responds to the varying adjustments of the calipering members with differing thicknesses of signature may be of various kinds, preferably mechanical but optionally electrical or optical, as by the detecting action of a photoelectric cell. Mechanical detection is illustrated, the device being of the form in which a block member or nger is adapted to be methodically moved or reciprocated into and from or through the space or passage of a recessed or gate member, so that relative displacement of either caused by improper signature thickness causes operative or tripping action or contact in the detector device, thereby to aiford the desired control.

The illustrated detector device comprises an enlargement or head 65 at the free end of the extended length of the lever arm 6| which carries the shiftable member 65 of the caliper. Two gate pieces or posts 6B and 61 depend from the head 65, the piece 66 being a plate of hardened metal and the piece 61 being a spring-pressed pawl which can afford the necessary obstruction in one direction butcan yield in the other direction to prevent breakage. The complementary or block member 68 is shown as mounted at the top of. an oscillating arm or carrier E8 fulcrumed below at 10, and having a depending arm 1I. The arrangement of course is reversible and the gate member may be on either carrier without changing the eiect of the relative displacement.

The connections and mode of oscillation of the carrier arm 69 of the detector block or feeler 68 may conveniently be here described. The pivot 10 of the lever which comprises arms 69 and 1l is supported upon a rock lever 13 which is secured fast in upstanding position upon the rockshaft Il already mentioned. The shaft Il and lever 13 are rocked regularly by connections to be described, and by this rocking motion the oscillating arm 59 is swung rearwardly and frontwardly in regular manner for the detecting purposes described. This lever system constitutes a compound lever, and normally the arm 69 has no oscillation relatively to the lever 13, the two rocking together with the motion of the shaft H. It is only when the signature is of erroneous thickness, and the block B8 is obstructed in its frontward movement that the arm 65 makes a relative swinging motion about its fulcrum 10. At such times the arm i3 makes its frontward swing as usual while the block 68 is obstructed, so that the arm 69 is compelled to tilt relatively rearward about its pivot l0, and this causes a multiplied frontward swing of the lower arm 1|. The extremity of the arm 1I is adjacent; to the rockshaft Il and is connectecl by a horizontal link 12 with the lower end of the depending arm Q9 of the trap door lever 41 already mentioned. By this arrangement, when the signature thickness is erroneous the rocking of arm 13 thrusts frontward the arm 1l, causing the arrn 159 to swing frontward and thereby to swing rearward the trap arm 41, carrying the trap door i6 out of the position shown in Fig, l in which it gives support to the tripper 40, thus setting the tripper to control position.

rllhis described detecting action is normally inoperative because when the signature thickness is correct the block or feeler 68 traverses accurately the gateway between the two posts 56 and 61 of the detector gate member, becoming operative only when the gate is displaced due to the erroneous signature thickness. If the signature be too thick the plate 6B gives the obstruction; if too thin, the pawl 61. These actions are dependent upon the regular oscillation of the rockarm 13 on the rockshaft Il, the operating connections for which may be described as follows. The rockshaft Il extendsthe Whole length of the gatherer, and carries a rockarm 13 for each signature stack. The shaft Il is' shown in Fig. 2 as extending to a convenient point, near one end of the machine where it is provided with a second rockarm 15. The rockarm 15 extends upwardly and at its top end carries a roller or cam follower 16, and this roller runs upon the periphery of a cam 11 attached to the longitudinal shaft l0, which makes one turn per cycle of the machine. The cam being open a spring 18 may be conveniently placed, as by pulling the rockarm 15 to return the parts rearwardly.

Thus is provided` the mechanical operating force to cause the retraction of the tripper track section or door 4S and allow the lowering of the'tripper 40 when the calipering device causes a displacement of one member of the detecting device such as to cause the frontward throw of the depending arm 1|. As an optional modification Fig. 1a shows a depending arm 1Ia similar to 1l, but in this case arranged to press against the button 19` of a switch 85 so as to open the main electric circuit and cause a stoppage of the entire gathering machine, permitting a manual correction as to the abnormal signature and a restarting when corrected.

Reverting to the gaging members, the front or revoluble gage member 55, the hub 51 of which turns loosely on the Iixed sleeve 2l in the housing 25, may be driven as follows. Preferably the sector gage member is revolved continuously in time with the cycle of the machine, one revolution per cycle, or at least its peripheral speed is to. correspond with the travel speed of the conveyor or saddles. Its hub 51 is shown as provided with a gear 83 engaging a gear 85 on a longitudinal shaft 85 extending through the housing and having bearings in the frame brackets 1. Preferably the gears 83 and 84 are helical gears, so that rotation around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 85 is converted to rotation about the vertical axis of the hub 51, and the gear ratio will be such that, considering the further gear train to be described, the gear 83 and gage rnember will make one complete turn per cycle. The shaft 86 at a convenient point, shown at its right hand end,l carries a sprocket gear 86, and this is connected by a sprocket chain 81 with a sprocket gear 85 mounted on the longitudinal shaft 9. Instead of mounting the sprocket wheel 38 directly on shaft 5 it is shown conned between the shaft bearing and a collar 89 which is fast upon theshaft, the collar containing a spring pin 99, the conical inner end of which engages a conical recess in the gear so that, as a safety measure, the device or clutch 89, 9|) may automatically release in case of obstruction, thus avoiding breakage, as in case of obstruction of or choking in the caliper device.

Referring further to the caliper arm 6| carrying the gage member B0, when this is shifted advancingly or to the left in Figs. 2 and 3, this movement should be resiliently opposed, as by a spring means, which latter may thereafter operate also to return these gage parts and restore them to their initial or normal position, at which they should be brought to rest to await the next calipering operation. Adjustable devices for these purposes will now be described.

At the left side of the hub 62 of the caliper arm is formed an outstanding lug 93 which is apertured to receive loosely a rod 94, extending in a fore-and-aft direction, with its rear end provided with a pair of lock nuts 95 acting as an adjustable stop for the return movement of the caliper arm when the gage is empty. Surrounding the rod 94 is shown a coil spring 96 under compression, which thereby affords the means of returning the arm toward its stopped position, and this resilient restoring device functions also during the gaging operation by presenting a moderate resilient resistance against the leftward or4 advancing swing of the caliper arm. Frontward of the spring the rod 94 carries a pair of lock nuts 91 which may be changed in position to adjust the yielding pressure caused by the spring. The front end of the rod 94 is shown mounted and held in a hub-like lug 98, projecting leftwardly from the caliper bracket I9. By these means the arm 6I is urged rightward toward its zero position, corresponding to an empty caliper, but with a limiting stop determining its restored position.

As already explained, the caliper arm 6I swings on a fulcrum pin 63 which is eccentric to the fulcrum sleeve 2| on which turns the hub of the revoluble gage member 55. The pin 63 is formed eccentrically at the top end of the vertical stud 64 which by collars above and below is confined within the sleeve 2|. It is necessary to set initially each caliper mechanism for the desired thickness of signature to be handled by it adjacent to one of the signature stacks of the gathering machine, and this adjustment is herein effected by turning and setting the stud 64 so as to shift and set in a rotary manner the position of the fulcrum pin 63. This adjustment is usually made while the space between the gage members 55 and 60 is actually occupied by a specimen of the signature to be handled, the delicate adjustment then acting to set the caliper arm 6I in such position that, with the correct thickness of signature, the block or feeler member 68 of the detecting device and the recessed or gate member 66, 61 thereof are so related that the former may oscillate relatively and without obstruction between the sides or gate posts of the latter.

For this setting of the eccentric device to accord with the intended thickness of signature the vertical stud 64 which carries the eccentric fulcrum pin 63 is shown provided at its lower end with an arm IOI, the swinging of which affords the desired adjustment. This arm is broken off in Fig. 1 but appears in Figs. 2 and 3. At its free end the arm has a head |02 which is connected by a swivel with a block |03 overlying the head,.so that by shifting the position of the block any desired adjustment of the arm may be made. For this purpose an eye-bolt |04 is shown, having its free end slidable loosely through the swivel block |03, the other end of the bolt having a pivot connection |05 to the bracket I9, as shown also in Fig. 1. Adjustment is readily made by means of a pair of nuts on the bolt |04, consisting of an inner thumb nut |06 which may be set as desired and an outer wing nut |01 by which the block may be tightly coniined on the bolt between the nuts. Each setting of this adjustment determines the width of the gap which exists between the gage members 55 and 60 when the arm Si is positioned for the detector feeler or block to pass freely through the cooperating gate; and thus adjusts the caliper for the desired thickness of signature.

An additional or auxiliary safety device is shown arranged to stop the entire machine in case a signature gets out of condition and chokes the caliper pertaining to any one of the signature piles. IThis safety device comprises a switch |69, which is conventionally shown merely as a box mounted on a bracket plate ||0, but which comprises usual switch means for control of the operating circuit of the machine. 'The switch |09 is preferably of the self-opening snap type but with a button I I I at its righthand face which may be pressed for closing the switch, this being accomplished by a longitudinal rod |I2'slidable in a bearing web I|3 on the bracket plate and a web II4 on the caliper bracket I|9. Between a collar I I5 on the rod and the web ||4 is located a coil spring I I6 which is under compression and therefore presses leftwardly, causing the rod to press the button and maintain the switch closed under normal circumstances, so that the machine may continue running. For opening the switch in case of emergency the rod is provided with a collar I I3 near its righthand end, this adapted to be thrust rightwardly by the forked extremity I I9 of a lever arm |20, which is shown as a frontward extension of the caliper lever 6|. The operation of these parts is that in case the signature becomes rumpled or chokes between the gage members and 60, the advancing travel will cause the carrier arm 6| to swing excessively to the left, its front extension |20 therefore shifting excessively to the right and by means of the fork IIS and collar II8 sliding the rod ||2 to cause the opening of the safety switch |09 and the stopping of the machine.

The mechanical parts having been described, the method, operation and result may be further outlined as follows. Each signature when received astride the non-traveling saddle 26 is quickly engaged by the pusher wings 32 of the traveling saddle and thereby thrust leftward or advancingly from the upper saddle, during all of which the two halves or skirts of the signature hang astride the lower as well as the upper saddle. The signature promptly comes into position to engage between the caliper members 55 and 60, the former of which is beveled to facilitate the engagement. The gage arm 6| being initially in its retracted or righthand position, the caliper gap starts at or near zero, the two members being substantially in contact, except for the bevel preceding the concentric arc of the revoluble gage member. While the gage disk or roller turns idly on the gage arm 6I, the gage sector 55 is driven advancingly in coordination with the conveyor travel, this revolution of the sector therefore cooperating in maintaining the signature travel from the upper saddle. Assuming for example a signature of eight paper thicknesses, the initial caliper gap is inadequate to accommodate the signature, the two sides or skirts of which are brought temporarily together to pass through the caliper. The result is that, with the leftward advance of the signature and the sector member, the roller member of the gage is compelled to advance leftwardly, which it continues to do, swinging the caliper arm 6| against its restoring spring 96, until a position of the arm has been reached whereat the caliper gap exactly equals the proper signature thickness. From and after this moment the caliper arm ceases to swing, the spring holds it in its position corresponding with the signature thickness, and the parts retain this position, the roll B0 turning idly, until the sector member has revolved around beyond its gaging position. The responsive position of the arm 6|, thus assumed for each signature thickness, is such, if the signature be normal, that the eeler or block member 68 and the apertured or gate member 55 are in such relative position that the former may traverse the aperture or gateway of the latter, without obstruction, and therefore without the tripping action that would set the tripper dog to its lower or active position. With the leftward swing of the caliper arm Si the caliper gap increases progressively, as already explained, due to the eccentric position of its pivot 53. The resilient pressing back of the gage member Gil against the signature resembles a wedging action, with a gentle slope, so that the arm has to advance to a relatively extended distance to give a minute opening of the wedge or gap. If therefore the signature be too thick, even by a single sheet, the arm is compelled to take an advanced position substantially beyond its normal position, with the result that the detector gate piece 66 will obstruct the block $8, so that the immediately following swing of the rock lever i3 will cause the displacement of the trap door or track section 435 and allow the trip dog 4@ to become operative. On the other hand, if the signature be deficient by a thickness of one or more sheets, the arm 6l will not need to swing so far to the left, and its spring 9S will hold it rightward so that the caliper gap equals the deficient thickness of the signature, and in this position the gate piece or pawl 6'! will obstruct the block 68 and likewise cause the movements which set the trip dog lil to bring about In either case of course, if the switch of Fig. 1a be used instead of the trip dog G, the erroneous thickness of the signature will cause the switch 8B to be operated for the immediate stoppage of the gathering machine.

The following further explanation will render more clear the operation of the described gaging mechanism. Each signature S is pushed advancingly from the upper saddle Z6 by a pusher 32 on the traveling saddle train below, the pusher striking the signature and thrusting it between the gage members 55 and Sii. This entry of the advance end of the signature between the gage members occurs before the gage sector 55 has revolved around'sufiiciently to close in against the signature; in other words the signature enters the gage freely, and is only conned between the gage members after such entry. For this reason the revolving gage member 55 is preferably out away, into the form of an arc or sector as shown; and the nose end 56 of this sector acts to thrust the front side of the loose signature toward the roller contact Bil, the sector then coming to the position shown in Fig. 3, pinching the signature between the gage members, and assisting the forwarding of the signature by reason of the drive of the sector. Since the impact of the fast traveling pusher 32 against each signature may tend slightly to buckle or rumple the signature, the gage sector 55 is usually made of slight oversize, or excess radius, sufcient to drive the signature ahead slightly faster than the speed of saddle travel below, thus relieving the signature of any contact with or buclding by the pusher.

The very gradual divergence of the two gage members as they advance along the travel path affords the result, already described, that a very minute diierence in signature thickness brings about aV greatly multiplied longitudinal movement the desired control. l

Y terminate at some of the responsive gage member 69 and itsy carrier or lever 6I ;A so that a multiplied gaging resultv is attained, in a` longitudinal direction, and directly at the gaging point, dispensing with the complication of multiplying levers therebeyond, and affording simplicity with highly effective gaging.

It is characteristic of the preferred form of the present invention that it is able to detect thickness errors in both directions from normal. Thus Fig. 3 shows the correct or normal position of the gage, corresponding to the signature being handled, but the responsive gage member 60, BI can take a longitudinal position therebeyond for a too-thick signature, or a position short of the normal for a too-thin signature. This is important because in signature gathering a calipering control is essential which determines not only correct thickness, but excess thickness and deficient thickness. This triple function may be considered as supplemented by the detection of a missing signature, since the absence of a signature gives the same gaging result and control as a too-thin signature.. This dispenses with a plan heretofore employed of a signature thickness gaging action adjacent to the extraction point of each signature from its hopper, supplemented by a signature presence detector at the support or saddle.

The advantage of the mines the point of greatest retraction of the carrier 6l, requires further explanation. Without this or other stop to the retracting swing of the carrier, its retraction between gaging operations would be unrestrained excepting by the actual wedging contact of the roll 60 against the arc or sector 55. This last mentioned position would correspond with Zero thickness, or missing signature. By using a stop such as 95 the retraction caused by spring Q6, or'by gravity, may be set to point between zero position of the carrier and the normal position corresponding. with the signature being gaged. This may be done because any measurable deficiency in thickness is required to give the eventual control, and

stop c5, which deterthe adjustable stop $35 therefore permits the retraction to be stopped at a convenient` point, at which the detector gage piece 6l will stand in the way of the reciprocating block 63, so as to alord' the desired control if the signature be too thin, whatever the deficiency in thickness, or whether the signature be entirely missing. Fig. 3 shows the stop 95 spaced slightly from the carrier lug S3, a correct signature being in place in the gage, and it will be apparent that were the signature absentV the spring SS would swingA the carrier retractingly until the gap is closed.

. There have thus been described a method of signature gathering, and suitable mechanism forA performing it, embodying the principles and attaining the objects of the present invention. Since many matters of operation, arrangement and` construction may be variously modified With-4 out departing from the principles of the invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to such matters except to the extent set' forth in the appendedV claims.

What is-claimed is:

1-. The method of insert gathering of signatures comprising methodically extracting signatures from eachl of the series of signature supply`- stacks for gathering and conveying as groups upon a main saddle, transferring each extracted signature from its stack and opening and depositing it astride a preliminary saddle, thence advancing it to position straddling the main saddle as part of a signaturegroup; calipering each individual signature after its opening upon the preliminary saddle but before its deposit upon the main saddle, and utilizing the results of such calipering to control the disposition of a signature group which is defective by reason of absence or erroneous thickness of one or more signatures.

2. The method as in claim 1 and wherein the calipering is performed during its advancing transit from the preliminary to the main saddle.

3. A signature insert gatherer having a main conveying saddle for signature groups; and for each signature supply, a preliminary saddle, means for transferring and opening each signature from each stack and depositing it astride the preliminary saddle, means for advancing each signature from the preliminary saddle to grouped position astride the main saddle, and a caliper device located to gage each signature after its opening upon the preliminary but before its deposit on the main saddle; together with means operated from the caliper device for elfecting a suitable control when a signature is of erroneous thickness.

4. A gatherer as in claim 3 and wherein the l caliper device is located to act on each signature during its edgewise advance from the preliminary to the main saddle.

5. An insert gatherer of the kind having a main saddle on which accumulating signature groups may be advanced in procession, means for transferring successive signatures from their stacks for deposit and accumulation on the main saddle, said transferring means including for each stack a preliminary saddle for receiving and supporting each opened signature temporarily above the main saddle before deposit on the latter, means for opening each signature during transfer from stack to preliminary saddle, and means for advancing each opened signature for its flnaldescent from the preliminary to the main saddle; said gatherer characterized by a caliper means to detect absence and thickness errors of the signatures comprising a device located to gage each individual signature after its opening and reception on the preliminary saddle but before its nal deposit on the main saddle, and preferably before its removal from the preliminary saddle, and means operated from the caliper device adapted for effecting a suitable control when a signature is absent or of erroneous thickness.

6. A gatherer as in claim 5 and wherein the caliper device is located and operative to embrace and act upon the upper portion of each signature on the run during its advance from the preliminary saddle.

7. In signature gathering, the method comprising receiving each extracted signature upon a, preliminary support and therefrom advancing it edgewise for deposit on the main gathering support, and calipering each signature on the run by passing it between opposed gage members located beyond the preliminary support, and causing the responsive gage member to be displaced longitudinally of the direction of edgewise advance in a path diverging gradually from the other gage member thereby to take a displaced position determined by the signature thickness, and using departures from normal displaced position to elect suitable control of the disposition of each signature group.

8. In a signature gathering apparatus, a mechanism for calipering or gaging on the run the thickness of signatures traveling edgewise through the mechanism, comprising opposed first and second gage members at opposite sides of the travel path of the signatures, the rst gage member being a base member arranged to advance longitudinally with the travel while in contact with the signature at the gaging point, the second gage member being a responsive member comprising a roller mounted on a carrier which is adapted to shift longitudinally of the travel in advancing and retracting directions and having a tendency to retract, and the carrier being so arranged that upon an advancing displacement of the carrier and roller, the path of shift of the roller diverges very gradually from the first gage member; whereby the responsive gage member assumes variable longitudinal positions over a substantial extent of displacement along the signature travel path in accordance with differences in thickness of signature and by its displaced longitudinal position affords a gaging indication of such thickness.

9. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the range of longitudinal shift of the responsive gage member carrier is sufcient to include positions both beyond and short of that corresponding to correct signature thickness whereby the mechanism responds to excess thickness, correct thickness, deiicient thickness and absence of signature.

10. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the first gage member is driven to assist the edgewise travel of the signature passing between the gage members.

11. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the rst gage member is driven to assist the travel of the signature passing edgewise between the gage members, and consists of a cutaway disk shaped rst to admit each signature between the two members and then to close upon, pinch and advance the signature between the two members while the second member is displaced longitudinally to take a gaging position corresponding with the signature thickness.

12. A caliper mechanism as in claim 8 and wherein the first gage member revolves about a first axis at one rotation side of the travel path and the responsive member comprises a carrier lever mounted to swing about a second axis adjacently offset from the rst axis at the same side of the travel path.

13. In a signature gatherer having a traveling conveyor for signature groups and means to cause the edgewise advance of each signature during transfer for deposit on such conveyor, a signature calipering mechanism comprising rst and second opposed gage members between which each of a succession of signatures advances edgewise during such deposit, both gage members being fitted to advance in the longitudinal direction of signature travel during the gaging operation, the first of said gage members being a base member or sector with arc edge and tted to revolve during gaging with its gaging edge tangent to the signature path, the second of said gage members being a responsive member on a swingable carrier and having an advancing path gradually diverging from that of the first member thereby to increase the gaging gap with displacement, whereby for each signature the second gage member becomes adjusted to a definite gaging position displaced longitudinally from initial position by a substantial distance determined by the signature thickness whether normal or overthick or underthick; and detecting means actuated according to the responsive longitudinal adjustment of the second gage member to eiTect some control or indication for governing the final disposition of the group to which each signature pertains.

14. A calipering mechanism as in claim 13 and wherein the second gage member carrier is swingable about an axis oiset from the revolution axis of the first member at the same side of the signature path, so that their motions are eccentric to afford divergence of advance.

15. A calipering mechanism as in claim 13 and wherein the axes of movement of the respective gage members are so located that the radii from such axes to the gaging point diverge from the gaging point toward such axes, whereby with simultaneous advance the gaging gap is compelled gradually to change.

16. A signature insert gatherer having a series of preliminary saddles and means for advancing the successive signatures from positions astride such saddles to positions astride a main saddle, and a series of calipering mechanisms as in claim 13 recited, each located to operate upon the upper margins of the signatures during advance from one of the preliminary saddles to the main saddle.

17. In a signature insert gatherer having a series of preliminary saddles, a group conveying main saddle, and means to cause the advance of each opened signature during its transfer from preliminary to main saddle; a signature calipering mechanism located along the path from each preliminary to main saddle and comprising an opposed pair of gage members between which the upper part of each of the succession of signatures advances edgewise during such transfer, both gage members being tted to advance longitudinally with the signature during the gaging operation, at least one of said gage members being a responsive member having its path gradually diverging from that of the other member as they advance longitudinally of signaturetravel; whereby for each traveling signature the responsive gage member becomes adjusted to a definite gaging position displaced r longitudinally from initial position by a substantial distance determined by the signature thickness whether normal or overthick or underthick, and detecting means actuated according to such responsive gage member longitudinal displacement to effect some control or indication for governing the nal disposition of the group to which each signature pertains.

18. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the responsive gage member is free, being advanced only by the signature, and with resilient means retracting it toward an initial or stopped position, While the other gage member is a base member driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature.

19. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the other gage member is a base member continuously driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature, and is in the form of a revolving arc tangent to the signature path.

20. A calipering mechanism as in claim 17 and wherein the other gage member is a base member continuously driven to accompany and assist the advance of the signature, and is in the form of a revolving arc tangent to the signature path, and with radius sufficiently large to accelerate slightly the signature travel and prevent buckling during gaging.

21. A caliper for an edgewise advancing signature comprising two gage members separately mounted operating at opposite sides of the signature path, and both fitted to advance longitudinally but in gradually diverging paths during gaging action, and one member having means resiliently opposing its advance whereby it takes a variable longitudinal gaging position depending on signature thickness, thereby to indicate correctness or error of thickness and presence or absence of signature.

22. A caliper as in claim 21 and wherein the second member is driven and continues its advance with the signature while the rst member remains in its gaging position.

23. A caliper for gaging signatures during edgewise travel to a group conveyor, comprising a driven sector with a concentric edge opposed by a gaging roller mounted on a carrier to advance in a path diverging gradually from concentricity with the sector, with means to restrain its advance so that it takes 4a longitudinal position according to the signature thickness.

PAUL E. KLEINEBERG. 

